Smilax australis (lawyer vine, austral sarsaparilla, barbwire vine, or "wait-a-while") is a vine in the family Smilacaceae, endemic to Australia. It has prickly climbing stems that are up to 8 metres long with coiled tendrils that are up to 20 cm long. The glossy leaves have 5 prominent longitudinal veins and are 5 to 15 cm long and 3 to 10 cm wide.
Austral sarsaparilla is resistant to disease and generally does not tend to get illnesses. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned once they have finished blooming. Austral sarsaparillat is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much prior plant-care experience.
How to keep Smilax Australis.
Light
Austral sarsaparilla occurs naturally in habitats such as forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It favors partial sun but can adapt to full sun or full shade, showing its hardy and versatile nature.
Temperature
Austral sarsaparilla comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is adapted to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It usually cannot withstand cold and requires warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing an Austral sarsaparilla is best carried out in early spring as it breaks dormancy. This encourages overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while fostering flowers that are large, vivid, and long-lasting. It also helps transport nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant’s health and resistance to disease.
Pruning
In early spring, prune the austral sarsaparilla to promote growth and improve its shape. Start by removing dead stems, then trim back any vigorous shoots to manage their size and ensure proper air circulation. Light pruning helps rejuvenate the plant, enhancing its flowering and vigor, which results in a well-maintained appearance and optimal growth conditions.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Smilax
- Family
- Smilacaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 10.06 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring
Other names.
